WHEN times are tough – as during political upheaval, war or when people in general are just finding things challenging – there’s a tendency to regress towards comfort, certainty and tradition.
We may look back wistfully to what we perceive as being simpler days. This may explain the enduring popularity of the simple cottage garden.
There’s a caveat here. The cottage garden as we picture it – roses over the doorway, a winding stone path, and a choir of hollyhocks, delphinium and phlox singing in perfect harmony – didn’t really exist as we imagine.
Cottage gardens evolved in the countryside around humble dwellings where the farmer’s wife might have planted some sprigs of something colourful among the veg. But gardens were primarily a source of food and nutrition.
Whereas the traditional cottage owner would have created walls from whatever materials were immediately available and the path may have been simply hardened mud, the concept became gentrified by such people as Beatrix Potter, Gertrude Jekyll and William Robinson in the Arts and Crafts era.
Pathways started to be beautifully crafted in brick using elegant herringbone designs and the planting became profuse and ornamental.
This story is from the March 21, 2024 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 21, 2024 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
History may be about to repeat itself as Reds limp towards cup final
SIR Jim Ratcliffe has a big decision to make once the FA Cup final between United and City culminates at the back end of this month.
United ready to cash-in on Sancho's trip to Wembley final
UNITED will be handed a welcome financial boost thanks to Jadon Sancho reaching the Champions League final with Borussia Dortmund.
Arteta walking a tightrope as emotions run high in tense run-in
CITY look set to be taken down to the wire in the Premier League title race this season by Arsenal.
Money talks, but it won't decide whether or not City are innocent
BEFORE the hearing into the Premier League's accusations against City has taken place, the groundwork for potential outcomes is already being prepared.
Plane sailing as peace breaks out in travel dispute
RYANAIR AND ON THE BEACH ANNOUNCE PACKAGE DEAL i
'Teacher told me to keep quiet about sex'
COURT HEARS BOY'S CLAIM HE SPENT NIGHT AT WOMAN'S FLAT
Three families of stab victims call for inquiry
THE families of the victims of triple killer Valdo Calocane have reiterated their calls for a public inquiry into the deaths after the Court of Appeal heard a bid to change his sentence.
Doctor killed himself with poison ordered from Malaysia
INQUEST IS TOLD BORDER FORCE OFFICERS WERE POWERLESS TO PREVENT DELIVERY
£1m drive to tune in dementia lifeline'
REGION TO BECOME CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR MUSIC THERAPY
Man 'killed by flatmate on way home from pub'
ACCUSED DENIES MURDER CHARGE AND SAYS HE ACTED IN SELF DEFENCE